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Triumph of Lianna Haroutounian and Željko Lučić in Seattle’s Tosca
May 20th, 2025 |
Press reviews have highlighted the great success of Lianna Haroutounian and Željko Lučić in the recent Tosca production staged by Seattle Opera.
The British Theatre Guide praised the Armenian soprano’s technical display on stage: "May 3’s Tosca [...] was Lianna Haroutounian, whose voice was… perfect. Just beautiful. And technically very impressive. The whole cast are great actors as well"
Meanwhile, The Seattle Times emphasized Haroutounian’s moving performance and Lučić’s masterful portrayal: "In the title role, soprano Lianna Haroutounian created a mercurial and passionate Tosca, her expressive voice rising easily to the high notes of some of the loveliest arias ever composed. Her “Vissi d’arte,” one of the most beloved arias in the soprano repertoire, was exquisite; it was both artful and emotionally moving. [...] What a powerful duo! Both Haroutounian and Lee are compelling actors, too, conveying the passion and the desperation of the lovers’ doomed opposition to their political oppressors.[...] Željko Lučić was a masterly Scarpia, the villain audiences love to hate — the one who sets the whole tragedy into motion by exploiting Tosca’s jealousy. He exuded a suave, gloating menace that belied the warmth of his voice."
Broadway World, in turn, noted Lianna’s strength and dramatic expressiveness, and Željko’s powerful interpretation, which was rewarded with a unanimous ovation: "The title role of the fiery stage diva Tosca is so iconic as to be daunting for anyone following in some of the great singers’ footsteps. Up to the task was Armenian soprano Lianna Haroutounian, who used her opulent voice to milk every dramatic moment to the maximum. She made the most of her opportunity to shine in the illustrious aria Vissi d’Arte, with well-connected phrasing and a high B-flat that was thrilling. Dramatically, Haroutounian gave a well-balanced and convincing rendering of the diva’s diverse emotional journey as the woman who transforms from idealistic and smitten to desperate enough to commit murder to save her lover’s life. [...] In his SO debut, world-renowned Serbian baritone Željko Lučić upheld his outstanding reputation in his portrayal of the malicious Scarpia. Having gained his reputation by singing such roles as Scarpia and Macbeth at the Metropolitan Opera, his appearance here was much anticipated. He proved more than worthy of the highest expectations. From the moment he appeared onstage, he projected a malevolence that grabbed the listener in a take-no-prisoners attitude and his commanding voice showed limitless power over his world. It’s hard to imagine anyone scarier or creepier than this villain. His portrayal was so egregiously evil that when he gasped his final breath, the audience applauded raucously in unison."
The British Theatre Guide praised the Armenian soprano’s technical display on stage: "May 3’s Tosca [...] was Lianna Haroutounian, whose voice was… perfect. Just beautiful. And technically very impressive. The whole cast are great actors as well"
Meanwhile, The Seattle Times emphasized Haroutounian’s moving performance and Lučić’s masterful portrayal: "In the title role, soprano Lianna Haroutounian created a mercurial and passionate Tosca, her expressive voice rising easily to the high notes of some of the loveliest arias ever composed. Her “Vissi d’arte,” one of the most beloved arias in the soprano repertoire, was exquisite; it was both artful and emotionally moving. [...] What a powerful duo! Both Haroutounian and Lee are compelling actors, too, conveying the passion and the desperation of the lovers’ doomed opposition to their political oppressors.[...] Željko Lučić was a masterly Scarpia, the villain audiences love to hate — the one who sets the whole tragedy into motion by exploiting Tosca’s jealousy. He exuded a suave, gloating menace that belied the warmth of his voice."
Broadway World, in turn, noted Lianna’s strength and dramatic expressiveness, and Željko’s powerful interpretation, which was rewarded with a unanimous ovation: "The title role of the fiery stage diva Tosca is so iconic as to be daunting for anyone following in some of the great singers’ footsteps. Up to the task was Armenian soprano Lianna Haroutounian, who used her opulent voice to milk every dramatic moment to the maximum. She made the most of her opportunity to shine in the illustrious aria Vissi d’Arte, with well-connected phrasing and a high B-flat that was thrilling. Dramatically, Haroutounian gave a well-balanced and convincing rendering of the diva’s diverse emotional journey as the woman who transforms from idealistic and smitten to desperate enough to commit murder to save her lover’s life. [...] In his SO debut, world-renowned Serbian baritone Željko Lučić upheld his outstanding reputation in his portrayal of the malicious Scarpia. Having gained his reputation by singing such roles as Scarpia and Macbeth at the Metropolitan Opera, his appearance here was much anticipated. He proved more than worthy of the highest expectations. From the moment he appeared onstage, he projected a malevolence that grabbed the listener in a take-no-prisoners attitude and his commanding voice showed limitless power over his world. It’s hard to imagine anyone scarier or creepier than this villain. His portrayal was so egregiously evil that when he gasped his final breath, the audience applauded raucously in unison."
© Sunny Martini